Going on vacation allows you to leave lasting memories and experience new places and cultures, but taking vacations can put a huge dent in your wallet. In fact, most people don’t travel as often as they would like because of their financial situation. But if you find yourself on a tight budget, don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways you can take a family vacation that matters. Here are seven tips for planning a family vacation on a budget.
- Look for vacation packages.
If you’re trying to plan your trip in different stages, such as by booking a hotel, then booking tickets to activities, then booking airfare, you may find that you’re spending too much. Instead, try to look for vacation packages that put all of this into one price. Package deals can be a great way for you to save on a vacation you really want to take. There are plenty of vacation deal websites out there for you to find your vacation, such as https://www.westgatereservations.com/vacation-deals/, so peruse around and see if you can find a destination that’s right for you.
- Weigh your travel options.
Sometimes the biggest cost of a vacation is the travel itself, so be sure to weigh your travel options beforehand. For instance, don’t just assume you have to fly to your destination, which could usually be the most expensive option. In addition to flights, be sure to check out the cost of driving, taking a train, or even taking a boat (if that’s an option). You may just find that the destination you were hoping for is less expensive if you use an alternate method of transportation.
- Consider the timing.
Heading to a popular travel spot during its busy season will end up being more expensive than traveling in the off season. When it comes to travel, be sure to consider the timing and try to go when it’s less busy. This will allow you to get a better deal on hotels or other accommodations. For instance, if you want to head to Walt Disney World, consider going in February or in September when it’s less busy. Doing a little bit of research will help you find out the best times to travel to certain destinations to get the best deal possible.
- Look at home sharing sites.
Instead of booking a traditional hotel room for your vacation, consider using a home sharing site instead like Airbnb or HomeAway. These sites will let you stay in a local house or condo for a lesser price than a hotel room. And the people who own the houses are usually there to provide you with information about things to do in town or give you tips on how to get around the area. In fact, some of these houses may even come with perks, such as tickets to a local show or attraction. Before you book a place to stay, consider looking into these sites first.
- Stay closer to home.
Instead of taking a grand vacation across the US, why not try to stay closer to home? These staycations can be a great way to experience some time away but without a hefty price tag. Do some research to see what fun places there are in your state and then head there for a long weekend. You will be able to experience a lot of excitement and see what your state is all about, and you can do it without having to spend a fortune.
- Plan ahead.
Planning your trip in advance will help you save money on the trip, as you’ll be able to get better deals than if you try to plan something last minute. If you know you want to go on vacation, start to plan in advance. Plus, many places will also honor sale prices that come through after you have booked your reservations, so you can still ensure you get the best deal possible.
- Pack what you can.
Sometimes the biggest expense of a vacation is the money you spend on food and souvenirs. In order to avoid this over-spending, try packing what you can. For instance, instead of dining out every day, hit up a local grocery store and buy food you can eat at the hotel, such as cereal or lunchmeat. You should also consider buying souvenirs ahead of time from Amazon or other online retailers so you’re not spending a fortune on souvenirs while on vacation.
Planning a family vacation may be stressful, but it can be done. Use these tips to help you plan your next trip on a budget.